Know When to Call an Exterminator for Roach Control (2024)

Coming across a co*ckroach in your home is never pleasant, but you may not need to freak out over a single roach. Whether you should call someone for roach control will depend on what type of roach you spot, and how many you see.

Roaches Big and Small

There are many different types of co*ckroaches, but the two most common pests in the area are the American co*ckroach and the German co*ckroach.

The American co*ckroach is large, measuring up to 2 inches, and brown. Although this species can infest buildings, American roaches are most at home in the outdoors. If you only come across one large, brown roach, you may not need to call a pest control company. The roach may have wandered indoors on accident, and it likely doesn’t want to be there any more than you want it in your home. In all likelihood, it will not find enough water in your home to survive and will soon die.

The German co*ckroach is much smaller, measuring only about ½ inch, and has two stripes behind its head. German roaches often live indoors. If you see one, you may have an infestation on your hands. In this case, you should contact a pest control company soon before the situation worsens.

Roaches in Ones and Twos

The above information assumes you only saw one roach. While a single German roach may be a sign of an infestation, a single American roach does not necessarily mean you have a problem. If you only see one American roach, simply wait and watch for any more.

Once you see two roaches, regardless of whether they are American or German, then you have an infestation. You should quickly call someone to come over and begin taking roach control measures.

In short, no one likes coming across a roach in their home. A single American roach, however, is not cause for concern. Only when you see a German or multiple American roaches do you need to call an exterminator for professional roach control.

Know When to Call an Exterminator for Roach Control (2024)

FAQs

Know When to Call an Exterminator for Roach Control? ›

If you only see one American roach, simply wait and watch for any more. Once you see two roaches, regardless of whether they are American or German, then you have an infestation

infestation
In general, the term "infestation" refers to parasitic diseases caused by animals such as arthropods (i.e. mites, ticks, and lice) and worms, but excluding (except) conditions caused by protozoa, fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which are called infections.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Infestation
. You should quickly call someone to come over and begin taking roach control measures.

Should I call an exterminator if I see a roach? ›

If you spot a single roach, it's likely that there are many more. When roaches infest your home, you should call an exterminator immediately.

When to get pest control for co*ckroaches? ›

It doesn't matter whether it is summer, autumn, winter, or spring, as pests can invade your home anytime, and it is best to get your home protected at all times. One of the essential things you need to understand is that there is no good or bad time to call a pest control service.

When should I be worried about roaches? ›

Egg Cases

Some will carry their egg cases with them, others leave egg cases laying around until they hatch. If you notice an oblong, brown or red case, or several of them, it's a pretty good sign that you've got a breeding community of roaches.

How often should pest control be done for roaches? ›

That being said, there are minimum frequencies that should be followed universally. Residential properties should receive pest control or pest prevention treatments at least quarterly (once per season), while businesses are better off receiving monthly or bimonthly treatments.

What is considered a bad roach infestation? ›

If it is between 10 to 25 roaches, it can be a moderate one. But if it exceeds 25, it can now be classified as a heavy infestation. You should know that the few roaches you see at home are not the only ones you have to deal with. There may be 40 to 50 roaches hiding within your place that you don't know.

Do roaches go away after extermination? ›

The possibility of roaches coming back after extermination is linked to accessible food and water sources. Even after hiring a professional pest control company, if these sources persist, roaches may return. Eliminating open garbage, pet food, and other organic matter is crucial to prevent a new wave of pests.

What month do roaches go away? ›

As long as the temperature indoors is above 50 degrees, roaches can remain active year-round, although they are more prevalent in the spring and summer months.

What time of year are roaches the worst? ›

While Americans are mostly dormant when it's cold and rainy, summer is roach season and the critters can appear in droves. While it's sound practice all year long, in the summer it is particularly important to keep your kitchen clean, store food in airtight containers, and take out the trash on a regular basis.

How to find a roach nest? ›

Look for Shed Skin and Egg Casings

One of the most obvious signs of an active co*ckroach nest is shed skin, which co*ckroaches molt as they grow. Another sign is egg casings, which look like small brown capsules. Look for these items near baseboards, cupboards, and other areas where roaches might be nesting.

Why do I have roaches in my clean house? ›

Roaches need moisture to survive and this search for water will bring them into even the cleanest of homes. Leaky pipes and faucets are one of the most common attractants for co*ckroaches and is one of the main reasons you often see them in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Can a roach-infested house be saved? ›

The best way to eradicate a co*ckroach infestation from your walls and the rest of your home is to deny them the three things they need to survive: warm shelter, food and water. The following tips will help you get a handle when and if a co*ckroach infestation springs up in your house.

Why do I see more roaches after exterminator? ›

It's also common to see more roaches even. This is because your pest company has sprayed their normal hiding places with pesticides, making them inhospitable to the roaches. As a result, the roaches will scramble to find new hiding spots and die off because they've already been exposed to the pesticides.

How long does it take to professionally get rid of roaches? ›

co*ckroaches: two to eight weeks depending on your property and the extent of the infestation. Bedbugs: heat treatments kill bedbugs in approximately four hours, although extensive clutter and unidentified nests may require repeat visits.

Can cleaning everyday get rid of roaches? ›

Clean Up and Cut Off Food Supply

Cleaning your home is the easiest way to keep roaches at bay. Roaches can survive for two weeks without water and three months without food, so you need to be incredibly thorough in this effort. Wipe up spills and clean up crumbs immediately. Wash dishes after use and put them away.

Should I be worried if I see one roach? ›

First the bad news: roaches are not solitary creatures; they like being around lots of other roaches. If you've only seen one co*ckroach, it is possible that it was traveling alone, but the odds are not in your favor.

What to do if you see a roach? ›

If you spot one of these pesky insects, it's best to call your local Terminix technician right away to get rid of the co*ckroaches. There are, however, some steps you can take to prevent a co*ckroach infestation.

Should I call my landlord if I see a co*ckroach? ›

Yes. According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, landlords or property managers must keep their buildings in livable condition. A current or ongoing pest infestation—including an infestation of rodents, insects, birds, or any other type of pest—will render your property uninhabitable.

Do you have to get rid of everything if you have roaches? ›

If the infestation is very large, it may be best to discard small electric and electronic appliances such as coffee pots, alarm clocks, etc. These provide excellent hiding places for roaches, and it is virtually impossible to treat the appliance with any treatment product.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 5603

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.